What’s in a Number?

I got my card box out today but couldn’t settle and my experiment wasn’t coming together very well, so Hubby suggested we go out for a drive.
Maggie was quite content to come, and it’s been much cooler today so we had a pleasant trip, stopping on the way for her to do yet more business.

I got the wrong end of the stick completely thinking somehow we were going to look at a property Hubby had seen on the internet, but it turned out we were going to the end of the M50 on recommendation of MSM for something else entirely.

We have a wedding coming up next month, and the old adage ‘I’ve got nothing to wear’ has raised its ugly head. Anyone familiar with my blog knows how much I hate shopping, especially for clothes or shoes so Hubby hijacked me (the swine ❤ ).
MSM mentioned yesterday a place where a friend was kitted out at a reasonable price, where everything she needed was all under one roof, offering plenty of choice to suit all tastes and budgets.

I do not own a frock.
In fact, my last one was given to charity in the Great Sort Out and I only kept a couple of skirts in case I had to go back to work in an office. Apart from my wrap-around skirt, they are in storage and the chances are won’t fit now anyway.
My intention had been to leave shopping for my outfit until the end of the month, and if necessary digging out one particular skirt and buying a new top to go with it.
Hubby had different ideas.

Now here’s the thing.
I am almost (still trying) three stone lighter than I was a year ago, so have no idea what dress size I am. The last frock I purchased was a size 20, but the last wedding outfit I bought was a size 24! There was a panic getting that as the blouse I’d bought to go with a skirt was suddenly too tight and I was actually shopping for an alternative the morning of the wedding!
My jeans are a size 16 as are my latest leggings, both of which are now baggy in the seating area. My joggers are mens (medium) and they too are baggy. I managed to get into a size 14 jeans but didn’t buy them as they were a little restrictive and uncomfortable. I’m glad to say I’m not concerned with the size so much as I prefer comfort.

Today I had a nice surprise and discovered that a size 14 dress in a particular style was a good fit. It went very well with my red socks, and I asked if I clicked my heels three times would I ‘go home’.
The problem was it showed more of my bra than it didn’t, so I tried on something else.
I had to have a 16 in that one and again it went with my socks (are we on a theme here?) but Hubby said it made me look squat, frumpy and dumpy.
My third choice fit in a size 16 but if I put on so much as an ounce before the wedding, I would have difficulty breathing, so I opted for the larger size. That too matched my socks.
The assistants were lovely and helpful without being pushy.

Hubby decided for me and I also treated myself to a pair of lightweight cotton trousers in a size 14 as I’ve been finding my joggers, jeans and leggings extremely hot in the recent heat.
Having parted with a reasonable amount of money for my purchases, we looked at handbags and shoes.
There is no way I am forking out more for a handbag than what my frock cost, and as for shoes, the red socks would not be worn and in my head Retail Therapy session was over.
I shall go to the market for a handbag, unless I see something in one of the charity shops here. I need to replace mine anyway as it’s falling apart and I can never find anything in its single compartment, so this is a good excuse.
As for shoes? Well, I have a pair of sandals in mind so will start looking next week.
I will also need a piece of new underwear for the day.

Hubby likes my frock, says it’s pretty and suits me, though admits it’s so long since he saw me in a dress, it seems a little strange to see my pins!
MSM also thinks it’s lovely.

These were the three I tried on.
Can you guess which one we bought?

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